Royal Enfield’s Hunter 350 has made it possible for many enthusiasts to consider owning a motorcycle from this iconic brand who might not have otherwise thought it feasible. Recently, we had the opportunity to test the updated Hunter 350 extensively.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Real-World Fuel Efficiency
Performance: 30.6 km/l in the City, 39.8 km/l on the Highway
Following our usual procedure, we began our testing by taking the Hunter on a highway stretch of just over 50 kilometers. After the ride, the bike required 1.30 liters of fuel to fill the tank again, resulting in an impressive highway fuel efficiency of 39.8 km/l.
Subsequently, we rode the Hunter through the bustling traffic of Mumbai for another 50 kilometers, where we needed to add 1.70 liters of fuel to top off the tank. This yielded a city fuel efficiency figure of 30.6 km/l.
Analysis of Hunter 350’s Fuel Economy
The Advantage of a Lighter Kerb Weight
The Royal Enfield Hunter shares its 349cc engine with other models such as the Classic, Meteor, and Bullet, without any modifications to gear ratios. However, its throttle response is tailored for a different riding experience. On the highway, the Hunter’s reduced weight allows the engine to operate more efficiently, consuming less fuel to maintain speeds compared to its heavier counterparts.
In urban settings, this same weight advantage would generally benefit fuel economy, but during our testing, we encountered unusually heavy traffic. This scenario negatively impacted the Hunter’s city fuel efficiency, suggesting that performance could greatly improve under better road conditions.
Fuel-Efficiency Testing Methodology
Our approach to testing fuel efficiency begins by filling the tank to the brim, ensuring that the bike complies with the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressures. We then navigate predefined city and highway routes while maintaining average speeds that reflect real-world conditions and adhering to speed limits. To maintain consistency, we balance rider weights and use ballast. After completing the test cycle, we refill the tank to achieve a precise measurement of fuel consumption against the trip meter readings.
